Vyushi watches the exchange about the dead person's property and almost laughs at Domir's justification, Or perhaps we could return it to the man's family. However, she holds her tongue and lowers herself after Kesso, "I'm right behind you." She pauses for a second and looks at the others, "Coming?"
Nanta felt a thrill of... anticipation? ...agitation? He wasn't entirely sure himself. He didn't like his first impression of many of these people but they all seemed to hate Lamm so that was good enough for now.
"Until this man is avenged I do not think it is just to just sell the items. If needed to fuel pursuit of Lamm if it came to it would be one thing. Legally speaking there are a number of ways to present it." He considers for a moment. "If the items were not on the corpses person you could argue that they were left as sort of a retainer for us but that case is tenous at best in this circumstance."
Dom's statement about her brother being dead seems to dampen Kesso's mood. "Would someone at least grab the shield in case we need it later." she asks from inside the hole, adding for the benefit of the 'paladin' "I think I might have to use it if the tunnel gets tighter. Afterwards I will yield to judgement of Abadar as to the disposition of the belongings". Using the light Dom has provided she looks around, but she no longer seems to want to talk to him as she helps the others into the dungeon.
"Money makes problems?" I'd like to relieve that gent of those problems for eternity, then...
Dervin makes a point of still searching the room while some of the others go down into the hole, "I'll be right there," and then with his back turned, rolls his eyes at the principles expressed by the armored Nanta. Avenged? Let his loved ones avenge him, if he has any and if they ever locate his rotting corpse.
There's a good chance some of these will get themselves killed in the search. And if they -- or we -- do somehow succeed in locating him, numbers will definately help with Gaedren's payback; a couple here are pretty passionate about that. I can drop anytime I guess.
Dervin heads to the hole. dropping down after ensuring it is clear below him.
Dom stares at the priest as he goes on about legalities. When he’s done, the youth looks at Dervin, back at Nanta, between them once more, then picks up the klar and fastens it to his belt. ”You should ask him who owns it,” he gestured at the corpse. It’s not at all clear whether he’s being serious or sarcastic. ”For now, he doesn’t need it; she might and she’s trying to find her brother.”
He grabs the torches, leaving it unlit for now, then follows the women down the hole with the pale light from his crystal. Be careful, Domir. You never know what’s hiding just out of sight... ”Uh... do we want to light the torch,” he asks. ”Crawling in tunnels isn’t something I’ve done.” No... you just twist peoples minds until they give you things, don’t you? And for what, hmm? A little taste?
The crystal’s light flickers briefly before coming back.
Kesso reaches into her backpack and brings out a flint and steel. Obviously expecting Dom to hold the torch out, she starts trying to generate a spark. "Just in way of introduction, my name is Kesso Shoemaker. I was trained by a Onna-bugeisha in preparation for joining the guard, so I'm willing to take point as we explore. I'll need both hands to wield my weapon, so if someone would hold the torch I would appreciate it."
"There are limitations to the magics I can wield. Speaking with the dead in such a fashion is currently beyond me as is creation of intelligent undead that retain the previous vessels memories... and in poor taste in this case." Nanta bluntly responds to Domir before heading towards Kesso.
"May I see your blade, I don't need to hold it just touch it." As he asks he puts a torch into the sconce attached to the front of the shield. "I'll stay behind you and aid you with what abilities I have."
"On the subject of crawling through tunnels I've done a few stints running about the catacombs and tunnels below the grey fighting undead. Keep your eyes peeled for secret passages designed to allow foes to flank us, as well as traps. Hazards like structural weakness are good to have in mind, down here you can die without you or the enemy seeing each other. Spellcasters tossing out spells affecting areas are an increased threat in many ways. If I knew the terrain we were going into I would have prepared differently."
Igniting the torch seems to cause Domir's eyes, one hazel, the other blue, to flare slightly before the torch's flame stabilizes. "I don't need my hands, so I can hold a torch," Domir says without really responding to Kesso's introduction. And why are you doing this, hmm? To stop Gaedren, or get some more shiver?
"I don't know..." He coughs, then adds, "I mean, I guess I may need to use my crossbow. I hope not. My magic mostly only works against people, and I'm not a very good shot."
On my phone sorry for formatting-
Once you get down into the old ruins behind you you see a collapsed hallway and forward you see that the hallway leads to a set of stairs heading down. torch scones are on the walls some of them still hold torches where you can light them as you go. once down the stairs you see four pillars with niches cut out with skulls in the niches , all the skulls have intricate tattoos carved into them and there is weird writing on the wall . however once you get close to the pillars all the torch scones light up , illuminating the halls there are a set of steps leading up and a set of steps leading down . See Korvosa slide for example
"These skulls... interesting and I'm sure they have meaning or importance to someone, but until they are thoroughly checked, I'd advise not touching any of them in case they are a trigger."
Dervin gets up close to one, then another, comparing the markings on the two to see if they mirror one another or are different, then goes back and investigates closely, breaking out some tools to feel around and see if it is placed, sealed in, or has some form of trigger line attached.
"Thanks you." Kesso says at the offer of light, and lets her naginata be anointed. While she has the 'paladin''s attention she remarks. I'm curious as to what exactly our plan is going to be when we run across some of Lamm's thugs. Talking would seem to be an option that might get us more information than fighting, except for one small matter." She motions towards the symbol of Abadar that Nanta proudly displays. "Unless you would like to put that away or pretend like you're a prisoner, I think our options are narrowed down to 'Get Them'. She leaves Nanta to decide what if anything he will do with the holy symbol and leads the way, at least till they get to the staircase. "Woa!" she exclaims as the sconces light up. "How did they know when to do that?" She pauses to let Dervin take a look. "So up or down or do we have to say a password."
"I can put it away, I don't have to broadcast my intent. Though I expect knowing Lamm's thugs it will devolve into violence, I will be happy to indulge them." Nanta puts his holy symbol away for now.
Nanta and Dom understand the writing-
written in ancient Shaonti " Here rests Amandune keeper of death, Watcher of the wings. Holder of the seventh talisman of the Lighting of the dreaded Storm. Disturb at your peril. "
Nanta points at the writing " Here rests Amandune keeper of death, Watcher of the wings. Holder of the seventh talisman of the Lighting of the dreaded Storm. Disturb at your peril. "
"What language is it in?" Kesso asks, trying to get a sense as to who made the inscription.
"Shoanti, some groups have cremation traditions, some burial. Always very serious."
"I'll not let the superstitions of ignorant barbarians get in the way of dealing with Lamm," Vyushi says dismissively. She looks at the stairs for a second and turns with a shrug, "One way is as good as another but I suggest we go up first."
Dom reads the inscription but, as Nanta translates it for the group, he says nothing, neither about the text nor Vyushi's take on barbarians, seemingly distracted. One of the languages from my dreams. With his free hand, he traces a finger over the letters while saying to one in particular, "I can charm them or put them to sleep. They don't need to be killed."
Don't they? Wincing, his hand snaps away from the script and to the back of his head. "No. No, they don't."
Dervin takes in the conversation as he checks the skull...
Seventh talisman... other six? Watcher of wings... the local pseudodragon population? Or something from before even that maybe?
I wouldn't be so dismissive of Shoanti... or rather, I guess it's easy to dismiss their traditions when none are here.
He stops for a moment.
says the man to himself as he intends to take one of their honored dead skulls to sell to a collector in the near future...
@kesso- slide 10-
@domir- Nope on knowledge check. only Amandune's family knows what it means. it would be like a DC 50.
@dervin- you cant find any traps on the skulls. the tattoos seem different from one skull to the next.
Dervin finishes his examination and leaves the skulls alone, empty-handed, "Up you say? Sounds good."
I know where they are and how to get here. And if we come back this way, I can get a few then. Probably best to sell them one at a time, trump up the rarity for a higher price rather than flooding with a sack full at once.
The large Shoanti priest raised an eyebrow but made no comment to Vyushi's statement even if it was curious.
His people had yet to learn to embrace order as they should. The wheat and chaff would be separated in time. Better to one handful of good grain than a sack of bad. He was surprised to hear a Varissian speaking so.
"Upwards seems logical."
when the party head upstairs it is a dead end. however they see another two bodies both appear to be against the back wall. you can see that they backed up against the wall from whatever was attacking them. Most surprisingly though, is that they are Derro dwarves. However it appears that the life was sucked out of them and they bear no distinguishing cuts or wounds.
Whoa. Now this is truly disturbing. What the hell have I gotten myself in to? Derro I had heard rumors about, no surprise, but life draining? Vampires? Some other entity from outside our existence?
"Nanta, I've heard priests and holy warriors have powers that specifically hurt the undead and entities from beyond. Seeing this, may be best if you take lead."
A look of worry crosses Kesso's face. "This glowing enchantment you've placed on my naginata. Does it allow it to effect ghosts?" She seems willing to allow Nanta to take point, unsure as to her own ability to fight the supernatural.
"It purely provides illumination. I can harm most undead with positive energy, I am not opposed to taking the lead. It would not be my first clash with undead though if it is a ghost I am not sure we are equipped for such. Let us jouney downwards to discover more."
I have the suspicion none of us are truly prepared after seeing that, but how does one prepare for such anyways? Do we go get garlic?
"Wait. Holy water. Any of you have Holy Water? If there are entities down here sucking the life out of others, would it be worth delay getting some?"
"Holy water of the kind of which you speak is not without a significant price. A large amount of silver must be powdered in it's preparation to imbue it with the qualities you desire. Many clerics sell it at cost but even then it is not a trifle. I would rather get the measure of things here first at least."
Underneath one of the bodies of the Derro appears to be a weapon. when pulled out it is a magnificent Earthbreaker. made out of mythril and steel, worth many times what a person would typically make in a lifetime in the city. whoever killed the Derro appears to not care about any monetary value because they seemed to have left the weapon and once again the bodies also have not be looted.
Loot on bodies-
15gp (per person)
Mythil and steel earthbreaker.
Nanta casts detect magic, he wouldn't be surprised if the earthbreaker was magically enhanced. "Well that settles it, I think for the value of this alone each of us could have been killed several times over by assassins. Some undead and outsiders are more vulnerable to weapons made with particular metals, most often cold iron or silver but mithral shares enough qualities in common with silver to have the appropriate effect. For now one person trained with such weapons should keep it on their person in case we encounter such a creature."
Dervin, thinking of the state of the derro, and unsure about attracting unwanted attention, speaks up, "You sure about that? Earthbreakers are uniquely Shoanti, not something you'd find with derro I think. Could be they disturbed this one from its tomb here and that's what brought about their demise in this manner. If you're thinking its safe, though..."
It would fetch quite a lot of coin, wouldn't it.
"We shall see, perhaps returning it to it's original place might set spirits to rest once more. These things can be challenging to discern at the best of times but we have barely set foot in here. They could have found it here or elsewhere and took it up as both a trophy and a weapon." Nanta starts heading away from the bodies once they have taken what they needed. "Down is our new direction then."
Once Nanta says that some creatures are vulnerable to silver, she steps over the large hammer and picks it up. Expecting it to be much heavier than it actually is, she marvels at its craftsmanship as she swings it experimentally. "This is amazingly light." She offers it to the Nanta and Dervin since they seem to know alot about it, adding "I've got my hands full." as an explanation.
Dervin's first reaction is to balk at the offer of the weapon, I don't want to be a target, he thinks to himself. I have never been this close to one of these things, much less sparred with one. Still, the others think it may have properties against the undead, and it's being offered. maybe give it a try?
Vyushi keeps silent trying to figure out the mystery of the the Derro and the undead. Try as she might she can't put all the pieces together and suggests, "Nowhere else to go but down."
@nanta- yes the weapon Is magical.
@everyone- when you head down the stairs you see that you enter a large room with two exits. one to the right leads into a room with several statues and a well. Forward you see what appears to be a room with several niches cut into the wall, and a wall tapestry on the back wall.
Nanta does not reach for the Earthbreaker but states. "The Earthbreaker is magically enhanced, I will think about the probable nature I have derived from the auras."
"Is anyone experienced with finding traps and secret doors, it is not where my training lies. These areas seem the sort where a cunning architect would put them."
"I have absolutely no training in that area. If you want your shoes fixed, I'm your girl." She will stand guard while someone checks for traps.
"A polearm wielding cobbler? Truly it must be a far more dangerous profession than I had assumed."
"Umm, well... I have the tools and skills for, I guess untriggering traps and other mechanics, but I need both hands free to do that or investigate around for hidden doors. Guess I'll strap this thing after all." Dervin finds a way to stow the earthbreaker across his back.
Uncomfortable taking the lead with this group of strangers and with what has been encountered so far, Dervin has his senses up and takes his time, motioning towards the tapestry room "We good with this first?"
He goes slowly, testing out floor stones, checking left, right, up and the floor, on the lookout for discoloration, tripwires, movement, areas that seem less or more dusty than others, seams in the stones that don't look quite right...
15gp (per person)
Mythil and steel earthbreaker.
Dom quietly follows the group, intrigued by the discovery of the derro but having nothing to add to the topic. As for the earthbreaker, he studies it from a respectful distance to see if he has anything to add that would help Nanta identify the weapon's enchantment.
The earthbreaker is a +1 dragonbane earthbreaker
@dervin - you don’t see any traps however while searching the ground you see that webbing has been torn down like from a spider
Dervin summarizes and gives the OK to proceed, "All is looking clear through here, the cobwebs have been disturbed, but I think very likely from the derro themselves."
Nope that map was just the closest to what I needed in my database I got like a couple hundred saved
Vyushi follows close behind Dervin and nervously steps closer as she warns, "Cobwebs usually me spiders." Looking from side to side and laments, Wish I brought some alchemist fire or acid.
"My parent's profession. I never planned it to be mine. Although I grew up doing it. Alot." she says wistfully. Once Dervin gives the go ahead she advances into the room and holds the glowing end of the weapon over the well and peers into the darkness beneath them.
Nanta gives Dervin a piercing look "It has magical enchantments to enhance it's blows against draconic creatures. If it's not needed in breaking a curse we will all be doing extremely well for ourselves... so don't wander off and get people jumping to conclusions, it could get complicated quickly."
"Trust me," Dervin gives Nanta a serious and almost humble look, "I'm not really prepared to go anywhere around here off on my own, not with what we've seen so far."
in the room with the niches you see skeletal warriors in the alcoves, they appear to be undisturbed. they have common weapons of Shaonti warriors standing tall. at the foot of each is a small memorial. when you go into the room you see a two dead spiders on the ground. Dom recognizes them as Dream spiders their venom is one of the main ingredients of Shiver. The tapestry on the far wall is a tattered scene of a rampaging blue dragon with a small army standing up against it with their weapons held high as in defiance.